Intestinal apicomplexan parasitosis among hospital-based population in Honduras, 2013-2019

Abstract

Introduction: Intestinal apicomplexa protozoa are a recognized cause of gastroenteritis; they are endemic in Honduras and their epidemiology varies in different population groups. Objective: To identify risk factors for cyclosporiasis, cryptosporidiosis and cystoisosporiasis. Materials and methods: A case-control study carried out in a hospital-based population. Diagnosis by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Information was collected from laboratory records and clinical charts. Results: Cyclosporiasis was associated with diarrhea (OR=2.28, 95%CI: 1.10, 4.89), weight loss (OR=12.7; 95%CI: 2.49, 122.00), watery stools (OR=2.42; 95%CI:1.26, 4.65), infection with another protozoan (OR=3.13; 95%CI:1.66, 5.95). Cryptosporidiosis was associated with HIV infection (OR=15.43; 95%CI:3.34, 71.22), diarrhea (OR=3.52, 95%CI:1.40, 9.40), lymphopenia (OR=6.16, 95%CI:1.99, 18.98), green color stools (OR=3.00; 95%CI:1.23, 7.30). Cystoisosporiasis was associated with HIV infection (OR=11.20; 95%CI:3.53, 35.44), diarrhea (OR=7.30; 95%CI:1.89, 28.52), leukopenia (OR=4.28; 95%CI:1.33, 13.75), green color stools (OR=11.59; 95%CI:1.16, 558.60), Charcot-Leyden crystals (OR=11.59; 95%CI:1.16, 558.60). Conclusions: In this hospital-based population from Honduras, HIV infection was a risk factor for cryptosporidiosis and cystoisosporiasis, but not for cyclosporiasis.